According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Honda City has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Takata Airbag Inflator Recall — Metal Fragment Risk ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $60 to $1,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2010-2014 Honda City, brazilian-market Honda City sedans built from 2010 through 2014 were swept into the global Takata airbag recall — the largest recall in automotive history. The ammonium-nitrate inflators degrade in hot, humid climates (exactly Brazil's conditions); in a crash that triggers the airbag, the inflator housing can rupture and fire metal fragments at occupants, a defect linked to at least 21 deaths worldwide at the time of the Brazilian campaigns. Recall waves included City units with chassis in the AZ100032-BZ213443 range (2010-2011) and a January 2018 campaign covering 86,516 Fit/City units (City production 12 April 2012 to 1 July 2013). Honda Brazil's overall Takata campaign covered roughly 943,000 vehicles requiring 1.6 million inflators, and as of January 2026 was still at about 94% completion — meaning unrepaired City units remain on Brazilian roads.
Common Symptoms
No warning signs — the defect only manifests when the airbag deploys
Inflator can rupture in a frontal collision, expelling metal fragments
Vehicle appears in Honda Brazil's recall lookup by plate or chassis
Recall notification letter from Honda
How to Fix
Check the vehicle's plate or chassis number at Honda Brazil's recall portal (honda.com.br/recall) or by phone (0800 701 3432) and have the airbag inflator(s) replaced free of charge at any Honda dealership. The repair is permanent and takes a few hours. Used-car buyers should verify recall completion before purchase; do not delay this repair, as inflater rupture risk increases with the vehicle's age and humidity exposure.
On the 2009-2023 Honda City, owners of the GM-generation City (2009-2014) extensively document wear in the electric power steering rack: play develops at the rack bushing/base, producing clicking when turning the wheel, dry knocks from the front end on uneven pavement, and a loose feel in the steering. Honda City Club forum threads describe the steering-box bushing wear as a known weak point, with owners resorting to custom-machined bushings because of the cost of a complete rack. The complaint resurfaced on the GN generation (2022-2023): Reclame Aqui carries multiple 'barulho na caixa de direção' complaints for the 2022 City, Auto+TV lists steering-box noise among the new model's recurring problems (often at low mileage, ~25,000 km), and one owner group reportedly gathered over 40 participants with the same steering noise complaint.
Common Symptoms
Clicking or knocking when turning the steering wheel
Dry knocks from the front end on rough or uneven pavement
Noticeable play or looseness in the steering wheel
Metallic rattle at low speeds over bumps
Noise appears at relatively low mileage
How to Fix
Have the front end inspected to rule out cheap causes first — stabilizer links (~R$ 57 each), tie-rod ends, and control-arm bushings are frequent contributors. If the noise/play is traced to the steering rack itself, options are replacing the rack bushing (inexpensive; machined aftermarket bushings are a proven City fix on the forums) or, in severe wear cases, replacing the complete rack. On GN models still under warranty, insist the dealer document the noise and repair under warranty rather than accepting repeated 'tightening' visits.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2011 Honda City has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Takata Airbag Inflator Recall — Metal Fragment Risk, Steering Rack Noise and Play (Clicking/Knocking When Turning). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Honda City reliable?
The 2011 Honda City has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Takata Airbag Inflator Recall — Metal Fragment Risk. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Honda City problems?
Repair costs for known Honda City issues range from $0 to $1,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Takata Airbag Inflator Recall — Metal Fragment Risk, typically costs $0-$0 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2010-2014 Honda City Takata Airbag Inflator Recall — Metal Fragment Risk?
Brazilian-market Honda City sedans built from 2010 through 2014 were swept into the global Takata airbag recall — the largest recall in automotive history. The ammonium-nitrate inflators degrade in hot, humid climates (exactly Brazil's conditions); in a crash that triggers the ai… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2009-2023 Honda City Steering Rack Noise and Play (Clicking/Knocking When Turning)?
Owners of the GM-generation City (2009-2014) extensively document wear in the electric power steering rack: play develops at the rack bushing/base, producing clicking when turning the wheel, dry knocks from the front end on uneven pavement, and a loose feel in the steering. Honda… Repairs typically run $60-$1,000. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
